Alcohol Policy UK

Adopting healthier lifestyles could prevent 40% of cancers

Cancer Research UK have highlighted the significant role of lifestyle choices in up to 40% of cancers. More than 100,000 cancers – equivalent to one third of all those diagnosed in the UK each year – are being caused by smoking, unhealthy diets, alcohol and excess weight, the Charity says.

Tobacco as ever features as a major cause of mortality, but alcohol consumption is also defined as a major risk factor for some cancers and a smaller risk factor for many others. The research links alcohol to oesophageal, oral, laryngeal, liver, breast and bowel cancer risk in particular.

Of the 158,700 cases of cancer diagnosed in males each year and the 155,600 in women, alcohol ranks as the 4th highest risk factor for males and the 6th highest for women.
President of the Royal College of Physicians Sir Richard Thompson said the report is a "wake up call" to the government to take stronger action on public health. The report comes shortly after Andrew Langford, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust spoke out on Government policy with liver cancer deaths rising 74% since 1997.

The Department of Health's Public Health pages list key elements to its approach to addressing lifestyle issues, including the white paper and the controversial Responsibility Deal. A Change4Life social marketing strategy was recently released, committing to delivering alcohol messages within a wider lifestyles agenda.

News and updates August 2010: GPs should warn over lifestyle, pub support scrapped, NTA business plan

An article by Britain's leading GP has sparked debate over the role of personal responsibility and Public Health. Professor Steven Field, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners wrote the article 'Don't take offence if we lecture you on how to stay alive and healthy', published in Sunday's Observer. Field said GPs have a key role in promoting personal responsibility by highlighting patient's unhealthy behaviours and urging them to change.

'We genuinely want people to be able to live healthy, fulfilling and productive lives. But every day we are confronted with the harm caused by smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity.

'The roles for GPs are increasing. Every consultation is an opportunity to detect early-warning signs that prevent illness and disease. Sensible, timely and appropriate interventions can help make people aware of the potential risks they are taking.

I practise a patient "mantra" of give up smoking, cut down on your drinking, eat more healthily and exercise regularly.'

The article prompted discussion on issue of 'personal responsibility', a public health idea the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley champions over state intervention. In respect of alcohol, Field's stance supports the delivery of IBA by GPs, an effective behaviour change intervention for risky drinkers. The article also caused controversy as Field suggests parents who dangerously expose their children to smoke are committing a form of child abuse, and that using the word 'fat' may be better than than saying 'obese'. Read other reports by the BBC and a comment from the Telegraph.

The Government has ended the £3.3m support package for community pubs and a further £1m grant for the Pub is the Hub scheme as part of its cost-cutting programme, reports the Morning Advertiser:

'The grants will be replaced with a guidance leaflet for the 2,500 communities who face pub closures each year. The cuts come despite David Cameron pledging new resources to help local people take over community assets such as pubs under the Big Society. He said Government officials would be made available to help community groups that want to run pubs and communities would also get help to identify and fund a “community organiser” for such schemes.'

The National Treatment Agency (NTA) for substance misuse has released its 2011 business plan [pdf]. According to the press release, the NTA is 'seeking to refocus the drug treatment system in England on delivering sustained recovery and demonstrating transparent outcomes, while consistently providing more for less'. As of April 2012 the NTA's functions will be transferred into the proposed new Public Health Service, possibly with responsibilities for alcohol treatment.

One third of accidental fire deaths in London are alcohol-related

According to London Fire Brigade statistics, alcohol is a factor in 31% of fatal accidental residential fires, and approximately 35% of all fatal fires occurring in the months of December, January and February. The study also found that more than a third of fatal dwelling fires happen on a Saturday or Sunday night.

The Brigade advised Londoners to keep the following tips in mind:

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm
• Drinking and naked flames like candles shouldn’t mix
• The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed. Never leave cooking unattended.
• Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished and never smoke in bed, many fires start when people drink, then fall asleep while smoking.
• Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
• Don’t take risks by tackling a fire. Get out, stay out and dial 999.
• Have an escape route planned so you and your family can leave your home safely in the event of a fire

The findings correlate with a 2006 study by the Arson Control Forum that found that from a sample of deaths from fire, in 47% of cases the victim was under the influence of a substance - in 33% of the cases the substance was alcohol.

However the IAS fact sheet on 'Alcohol and accidents' showed that in 2007/8 Greater Manchester Fire Service recorded 43% of fire fatalities had consumed alcohol, though noted the small sample size.

See also previous posts about campaigns and research from Strathclyde, Tayside, Hartlepool, and Merseyside.

Smoking ban shows reduction in alcohol consumption in Scotland

A study by the American Yale University on the impact of smoking bans in the US and Scotland has found they reduced alcohol consumption amongst smokers. In Scotland, 525 smokers were studied before and after the ban and compared with a control group south of the border. It found that moderate drinking smokers in Scotland reduced their alcohol consumption by four drinks a week whilst heavy drinking smokers drank on average six fewer drinks in the pub per week. Sherry McKee, of Yale University, said:

"That is a benefit for public health in that it reduces the alcohol consumption of a category of people who are at most risk from disease. This is the first time it has been demonstrated that smoking bans have an affect on alcohol consumption."

Meanwhile in England and Wales, whilst the smoking ban has increased the number of people quitting smoking, research shows it has further reduced business for the declining on-trade. Questions are therefore being raised about whether the ban has contributed to increased home consumption as off-sales rise and supermarkets continue to use alcohol as a significant loss-leader. Other reports indicate that the smoking ban has caused crime and disorder problems outside premises.

For more on the Yale University research see Scotland on Sunday report.

New smokefree guidance helps councils deal with noise problems

A news article from LACORS says that a steady stream of complaints to councils from residents about noise from smokers congregating in beer gardens and outside pubs and clubs has prompted LACORS and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health to update its smokefree guidance to help councils deal with the problem.

Councils use ‘statutory nuisance’ powers on a daily basis to tackle all types of noise nuisance, from barking dogs to blaring stereos – but the legislation isn’t always effective when dealing with noise from licensed premises such as pubs and nightclubs. Since England’s workplaces went smokefree on 1 July last year most councils have received complaints about the noise outside licensed premises, particularly in town centres and other built-up areas.

The new guidance, Tackling Noise – Guidance relating to licensing and smokefree issues (Revised), sets out the powers available to councils to deal with the problem of nuisance noise and the different options they could consider when investigating residents’ complaints.

Thanks to the Noise Act 1996, which was recently extended to include licensed premises, councils now have an extra power to deal with night-time noise. Licensees can be given an instant penalty of £500 over excessive noise coming from their premises, such as a beer garden or ‘smoking shelter’ – but could also be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000 if they fail to comply with a warning from the council.

Councils can also use the licensing regime to tackle the problem of noise from people gathering on pavements outside pubs and clubs. If the council decides that the noise is likely to cause a public nuisance it can impose licensing conditions, such as requiring door supervisors, not allowing people to take drinks outside or barring re-entry after a certain time.

The guidance even sets out how councils can use the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 to take action against public disorder offences with the help of the police if necessary. Cllr Geoffrey Theobald OBE, chairman of LACORS, said:

Smokefree pubs, clubs and restaurants have proved a big hit with the public but it has also led to an increase in noise complaints to councils from local residents. Councils have a number of options open to them so it’s good news that they now have a one-stop-shop for advice on dealing with noise from licensed premises.

Councils are committed to putting local people first and will use every tool at their disposal to make sure residents can enjoy peace and quiet in their own homes. Noise levels in our towns and cities are rising so it’s good news that many councils are already working closely with pubs and clubs in their area so they can address any noise problems before enforcement action is needed.

Smoking ban one year one: more quitters; decreasing pub sales

The smoking ban in England, introduced a year ago, has dramatically increased the number of people giving up the habit, it is claimed. A survey suggests more than 400,000 people quit smoking as a result of the smoking ban. Researchers say this could potentially help save as many as 40,000 lives in the next 10 years. BBC News

More information from ASH.

Meanwhile, beer and spirit sales have been hit hard by the smoking ban, according to market analysts Nielsen. Around 175 million fewer pints have been drunk in the last year as a direct result of the ban according to the research. In the nine months from July to March volume sales of alcohol in the on-trade in England and Wales fell eight per cent – before the ban the rate was falling at three per cent.

With other factors such as the credit crunch also being taken into account Nielsen estimates that half of the eight per cent drop can be attributed to the ban. Jake Shepherd, marketing director at Nielsen, said: “The winter months were particularly bad – sales fell 9.3 per cent through November to January when smokers would have been reluctant to stand outside in the cold to have a cigarette.”  The Publican

Addressing problems with smokers drinking outside pubs: Plymouth DPPO enforcement

Designated Public Places Orders will be rigorously enforced following a significant increase in street drinking on the Barbican over the recent bank holiday weekend. Over the last few months Plymouth Police have been working with Licensed Premises Supervisors to ensure there is no street drinking in the four DPPO areas of Mutley Plain, North Hill, Union Street and the Barbican with an extensive education programme.

Sergeant Martin Worthington from Plymouth Police Licensing Department stated,

"Since the introduction of the smoking ban, we have been working with licensed premises, educating the public on the legislation in these areas. With increasing numbers of patrons now leaving premises to smoke, we have seen an increase in consumption of alcohol outside in some areas particularly on the Barbican. Having reviewed the position on the August Bank Holiday weekend, it is clear that it is now necessary to step up our enforcement to ensure the Designated Public Places Orders are being complied with.

"No one wants to have their drink confiscated and disposed of. However, unless you are seated within a designated seating area, you cannot consume alcohol in the street in these areas."

From Friday, 14th September police will be stepping up their enforcement of no street drinking on the Barbican and in other Designated areas. The legislation contained within Section 12 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 prohibits the consumption of alcohol in a designated public place. Police have the power to require a person to stop consuming alcohol and to surrender it to the officer. An offence is committed where a person consumes alcohol after being required by an officer not to do so. Failing to comply with the officer's request could lead to the issuing of a £50 penalty notice.

"We had hoped to enforce the legislation without resorting to confiscation, however it is clear the current strategy is not working in certain areas. We will therefore start seizing drinks from this Friday and all patrons are advised not to take alcohol drinks outside with them, unless they are able to sit within a designated seating area. No one should leave a drink unattended. Patrons wishing to smoke are advised to do so between drinks.

"We do not want any of the businesses to lose custom as a consequence of this change in policy, so have been working hard over the last few months with signs within the premises to ensure that the public is aware of the order. We also want to make new students who are coming to the city for the first time to be aware of this legislation to ensure they do not inadvertently fall foul of it."
Mid Devon Star

See also previous post on this.

 

Smoking ban causing problems outside pubs

Police in Devon and Cornwall have threatened to shut down pubs that fail to control customers smoking outside. Officers say there are problems with customers taking drinks outside in local no-alcohol zones.

They also complain that people are blocking the streets, particularly at the weekend. Licensees were warned of the police concerns at a recent pubwatch meeting and some pubs were sent individual letters.

Inspector Dave Scott said: “It’s a very serious problem and we’re prepared to take serious action against landlords that fail to control smokers.

“We had an awful weekend, people were standing in the middle of the road and blocking traffic - there was immense potential for crime and disorder. It was a threatening atmosphere, pedestrians and motorists passing through the main area of the town were badly affected.

“Pubs with no proper smoking area are the biggest problem - they must put measures in place to stop people bringing their drinks outside.”

Nancy Thomas, of Nancy’s Pub in Falmouth town centre, said: “I’m sympathetic to the police, they’ve got a lot to deal with but it’s very difficult to control people outside when you’re behind the bar. There’s a lot trouble outside my pub and the people causing it are not necessarily my customers.”

Morning Advertiser - see also the comments following the article

Alcohol industry news: UK drinks companies worst for complying with advertising standards; NUT calls for ban on sports sponsorship; smoking ban hits beer sales in Scotland

• Drinks companies in the UK are the worst in western Europe at complying with advertising standards aimed at ensuring responsible consumption, according to an industry-commissioned survey seen by the Financial Times. The findings will fuel the debate about binge drinking in the country. The annual survey of the European Forum for Responsible Drinking (EFRD), which groups seven mostly spirits companies, showed that 96 per cent of advertisements in the 13 European Union countries assessed met standards laid down by national regulators or the industry, on a par with last year. Yet in the UK, which accounted for a third of the advertisements assessed, 7.4 per cent failed stricter standards introduced last year, a sharp increase from 1.4 per cent in 2005.  FT.com

• Drinks companies should be banned from sponsoring professional sport because too many children are slipping into alcoholism, a teachers' union has warned. The 'massive assault of the drinks industry' on sport through advertising and sponsorship must end, National Union of Teachers' general secretary Steve Sinnott demanded yesterday. He warned beer firms which sponsor football are exposing impressionable children to highly damaging messages. Speaking at the NUT's annual conference, Mr Sinnott said: 'This exposure to alcohol is damaging young people's lives and their futures.We are failing our youngsters. 'The sponsorship of sport by the drinks industry must end in advance of the Olympics in 2012.'  Metro.co.uk
  

• Beer sales in Scottish pubs are falling as customers stay away because of the smoking ban, industry figures showed yesterday. The amount of beer sold in pubs last year fell by 6 per cent in Scotland, compared with 4 per cent across the United Kingdom, according to data from the market research analyst AC Nielsen. The discrepancy highlights the added impact of the smoking ban north of the Border, and will raise concerns in Wales, where a ban took effect this week, and in England, where one will be imposed on 1 July. And although there was an increase in wine sales, pub industry leaders said the figures reflected a downturn across the industry which was facing pressure from cheap drink deals in supermarkets. Paul Waterson, chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: "Our own results show turnover figures among our membership are down by 11 per cent. Our figures and yesterday's results confirm that the smoking ban is badly hurting our business, no matter what the politicians say."   The Scotsman

News for 27/9/06

• A sleepy community of Benedictine monks in south Devon is the latest, and perhaps most unlikely, target in the battle against binge drinking.  Alcopops come and go, but Buckfast wine is a perennial favourite among young drinkers keen to test their alcohol limit.  Now the tonic wine produced by the Benedictine monks of Buckfast Abbey, Devon, has fallen foul of law makers, who believe it has much to answer for.  Scottish health minister Andy Kerr is the latest politician north of the border to express concerns about the effects of the drink commonly known as Buckie - citing its link to binge drinking.  "There's something different about that drink," says Mr Kerr, calling it "seriously bad".  BBC News  More on Buckfast and neds on Wikipedia

• A community wants local shops to ban selling alcohol in the evening in the hope of reducing crime.  About 3,000 residents in Bellsmyre, Dumbarton, said they have been plagued by booze-fuelled petty crime.  They are calling on five local shops to stop selling alcohol after 1900 BST. One has agreed to the request so far.  John Diamond, head of the community council, said: "We've had enough, we want to make our community safe and want to bid for proper facilities."  A spokesman for the Co-op, one of the local stores, said: "We do not think it is necessery to impose a curfew on alcohol as we are confident that our policies in place are effective."  Local councillor Geoff Calvert described the request as realistic and pragmatic.  He added: "People are asking for a bit of support."  BBC News

• The smoking ban hasn’t seriously deterred Scottish drinkers, they are spending more on eating out and 'mine host' is making good money, despite hikes in rent and minimum wages.  This is the message in up-beat trading statements from Enterprise Inns (ETI) with 9,000 pubs and Mitchells & Butlers (MAB) with 2,200 including the All Bar One and Harvester.  Enterprise shares fell 10p to £10.52 on profit taking, with M&B off 1p at 577p.  M&B says Scots drinkers spent 1% less on drink, but 11% more on food in the half to September 16. Dining in non-smoky eateries clearly appeals.  Enterprise confirms that traditional boozing pubs have been worse hit with a knock on effect on gaming machines in the year to September 30. But it notes that ‘negative effects are minimised where licensees prepare for the ban’.  Citywire  More on the effect of the smoking ban from the Guardian

• The Government's drive to change the nation's drinking habits is working, according to some of the country's largest pub operators.  Enterprise Inns, which owns nearly 9,000 British pubs, said the new licensing laws, which allow pubs to open later and stagger their closing times, have reduced binge drinking.  The group, the UK's second largest pub operator, said: "Licensing reform has had a minimal impact on trade but has clearly shown benefits in terms of a reduction in alcohol-related disorder, where flexible trading hours have helped to foster a more relaxed atmosphere, particularly around pub closing times." It said the pub trade had also reduced the "irresponsible pricing and promotions which were seen to encourage excessive consumption". Telegraph

• Children as young as 12 buy alcohol by ordering it over the phone with takeaways, a government adviser says.  Dr Sheila Shribman, the national clinical director for children, said the youngsters were using restaurant services to avoid suspicion.  She said it was a "worrying trend" and was particularly prevalent in north-western cities such as Liverpool.  BBC News

• Binge-drinking is no longer socially acceptable on the island of Ireland and alcohol consumption is down on both sides of the border, according to a report which has been published.   Coffee-shop culture has taken a grip and between 2000 and 2005 the average adult in Northern Ireland drank five litres less in alcoholic drinks, while in the Irish Republic the drop was even more marked - 14 litres.  While part of the decrease can be attributed to the declining number of young people and growing number of older adults, average consumption - currently 134 litres per year in Northern Ireland and a substantially higher 245 litres in the Republic - has decreased as the average person spends more time and money on other leisure and social activities, said the report.  U.TV  Details of the report Attitudes to Drinking: sober Ireland?